fruit fly

noun

: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Examples of fruit fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound found to disrupt the nervous system of insects, and works as a chemical-free pesticide to deter ants, fungus gnats, mites, aphids, mosquitoes, fruit flies, flies, and wasps. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 23 May 2026

New research from Thomas Jefferson University could identify a new way to improve poor sleep and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease — and fruit flies are at the center of the study. —Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 19 May 2026

Health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found fruit flies hanging around the kitchen and fuzzy blue buildup on tomatoes at Kansas City-area restaurants last week. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026

In addition to Subway, health inspectors observed a dead roach and fruit flies at Hacienda Buffet Antigua at 1950 Menefee Ave. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fruit fly

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

fruit fly

noun

: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Medical Definition

fruit fly

noun

: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter